Tom HighAbout the artist,

Native American (Kiowa) artist Tom High and his wife Mary live in the largest Alpine Valley in the world, the San Luis Valley, located in southern Colorado.

They enjoy Archery hunting as a family with their girls ( Shileen, Sherita & Shaleah) enjoying the spiritual aspects of God's grand creations and bringing the winter food supply home. Because of the sacredness of all life we are dedicated to utilizing all of the legally harvested animals. Nothing goes to waste.

Since 1967 Tom has been creating unique Elk Ivory & Claw jewelry for his clients around the world. You can be assured that he, personally, will make your treasured memories into wearable works of art.

Rocky Mountain Scrimshaw & Arts is proud to be a family of artists, joined by daughters, Sherita and Shaleah, with their varied talents and creativity. See their exceptional work and items from Tom for direct sale at http://www.wildharegems.com

Please have a look around and remember this is just a sampling of Tom's work. Please contact us if you have something special in mind.

If you are in our area and would like to visit our Gallery please call for a appointment! (719)589-2108

What is Scrimshaw?

Generally acknowledged as the only original American art-form, scrimshaw as we know it now was born during the 18th century when whalers had an abundance of ivory teeth taken from the Sperm Whale which they hunted for it's oil. They also had lots of idle time and out of it developed an art-form in which a jack knife, sharpened nail or canvas needle was used to scratch a design in a polished surface of an ivory whales tooth, the design was then rubbed with lamp black, squid ink or India ink, the ink was then wiped off and only the scratches held the ink forming the design. From these crude beginnings scrimshaw was perfected into a fine art-form with color and photographic quality work possible with the use of magnification.

Tom High's scrimshaw reflects the area that he loves and is familiar with, the Rocky Mountains. Like the whalers of old that used the ships, whales and sea as their inspiration. Tom has perfected the artwork of the wildlife and nature he surrounds himself in.

We do NOT condone the killing of animals for there teeth, claws or horns.

About us

We are a unique retailer that is recognized for quality and one-on-one customer service. As a Family business you will always know your items are handled with care. We are always there for you if you have any questions or special needs.